The Bible is full of truth.
Sometimes, the challenge lies in which blend of truth to apply. Many of these tensions surround missions and money.
Let me present three areas missionaries deal with.
1. Raising support as a missionary or minister.
2. Being generous to the poor and needy.
3. Saving money for your future, children’s education, and ultimately an inheritance.
All these areas are supported by a multitude of Scripture. We cannot pick and choose our favorite, but rather find a way to apply an aspect of all these truths.

Here is a small sampling of the truth Scripture presents in these areas. The Bible talks about money often, we should take notice! (All verses from the English Standard Version)
1. Raising support as a missionary or minister.
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
“In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14)
“One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6)
2. Being generous to the poor and needy.
“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15:11)
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)
“If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3)
3. Saving money for the future of you and your family.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22)
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11)
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
I realize these verses are but a sampling of the dilemma we face. It would be easy to dismiss them saying, “Yes but…”
As believers and missionaries, we tell people they can’t pick and choose which truths to apply. Neither can we.
I would go so far to say all missionaries need to wrestle with issues of financial support, being generous to the poor, and saving for our future. Neglecting any of these is neglecting a part of the Word of God.
I have witnessed missionaries who ignore truth in these areas. Some are now older and wondering where they will be since they have lived a life of trusting God to provide.
Trusting God is true. But trusting God is one truth. We cannot take it at the expense of others, including providing for our future.
My goal is not to make absolute statements, rather to provoke “A Life Overseas” discussion.
Would you help us learn from each other by answering one or both of the following questions:
What is your experience in dealing with blending these truths? How do you reconcile them?
Ready! Set! Discuss!
– Chris Lautsbaugh, Missionary teacher and author with Youth With A Mission, living in S. Africa.
Blog: NoSuperHeroes Twitter: @lautsbaugh Facebook: NoSuperHeroes